In some ways it was a tumultuous year for spotted seatrout in Florida. It started out looking really good. FWC proclaimed seatrout to be in great abundance and moved to extend the recreational season to allow Florida recreational anglers year-round fishing and additional chances at a seatrout dinner.
Given the report of greater numbers of seatrout and longer seasons for the recreational sector the commercial sector stepped up and said we need more too. The end result was a proposal by FWC staff to also increase the commercial season, increase the boat limit, allow 75 trout per day as bycatch in nets used to catch other species, and allow year-round sell of seatrout.
The process of public input continued as usual with fisheries management, but not many anglers were showing up at the meetings.
Finally, as the word began to spread and many recreational anglers got nervous and concerned. Organizations like the Snook and Gamefish Foundation, Florida Guides Association and the Coastal Conservation Association began to rally their members in support of the recreational changes while opposing the commercial changes.
When all was said and done both the recreational and commercial sectors ended up with more. After hearing the final public testimony in November the FWC Commissioners approved a final rule on Florida spotted seatrout.
Stating that the spotted seatrout population in Florida is exceeding management's goal as indicated by the 2010 stock assessment the Commission approved several rule changes effective February 1, 2012.
Recreational Sector
Removal of season closures
Northeast bag limit increased to 6 fish
Commercial Sector
Two regions, the Southeast and Southwest were defined defined
Seasons were lengthened to:
Southeast: May 1- Sept 30
Northeast: June 1- November 30
Southwest and Northwest: June 1- October 31
A commercial vessel limit of 150 with two or more licensed fishermen are aboard
Sale of seatrout inventory will be allowed for 30 days after the season closes.
To view maps defining the regions click here.
To see a more detailed listing of the changes taking place click here.
Following the commercial net ban the commercial take of spotted seatrout dropped significantly to only 2.5 percent of the total amount harvested. The new rules have given recreational angers reason to worry that a larger commercial fishery may develop.
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